Your General Health Can be Impacted by The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss

Loss of hearing can have a significant effect on you, one that is about a lot more than the inability to hear things. Having difficulty carrying out daily activities, and strained relationships are examples of the overall effect of hearing loss.

A study carried out by AARP found that untreated hearing loss had a greater impact on quality of life than:

Obesity

Stroke

Diabetes

Cancer

Hearing loss, when left untreated, can definitely get in the way of your lifestyle, yet there are many who don’t get help. Researchers have found that many people suffering from hearing loss are still anxious about a perceived stigma attached to it. People are worried they will be treated differently if others know they are dealing with hearing loss. This perception can change how they view themselves whether they are 8 or 80.

It’s Not Just You

As lifespans grow longer, hearing loss has become more commonplace, despite the fact that it can impact people of any age, The World Health Organization reports that there are more than 1.1 billion people, a lot of them young adults, in danger of hearing loss and the public perception that comes with it. Hearing loss is, as a matter of fact, one of a young adult’s most significant health threats. Even as the amount of people with hearing loss keeps increasing, the resistance to getting treatment for hearing loss seems to persist. How does this impact one’s general health?

How Is Hearing Loss Perceived?

By definition, stigma is a brand that marks somebody as inferior and that pretty much tells the story. The anxiety for many people with hearing loss is that they will appear less capable, older, and maybe less healthy.

Historically, there is some foundation for this worry. A 2010 study revealed when people have hearing loss they were not as well accepted. But that study is based on data nearly 10 years old. This perception is improving as hearing loss is becoming more widespread. Celebrities visibly wear hearing aids and the devices are becoming more sophisticated, stylish, and fun. Also helping to change hearts and minds, research indicates that getting treatment might delay or prevent other health concerns connected to aging such as cognitive decline and dementia. And still, in spite of changing perceptions, some people still are reluctant to get help.

Does it Even Matter?

There are health consequences for not getting treatment, so don’t allow your fear of negative perception keep you from getting help. An AARP survey found that more people consent to getting colonoscopies than they do hearing tests. Not acknowledging your hearing loss, not getting a hearing examination and seeking treatment will take a physical toll, especially over time.

Consequences of Undiagnosed or Untreated Hearing Loss

Not taking care of your hearing loss can have the following health repercussions;

Fatigue

Everything in life is more tedious if you are struggling to hear. Just trying to hear conversations and common sounds is a difficult task. You also have to be extra careful to protect your safety because you can’t hear alert sounds or vehicles approaching. You can become chronically fatigued just by attempting to hear common sounds.

Migraines

Tension and anxiety can lead to migraines and other types of headaches. You might not recognize there is a correlation, but studies have shown a link between migraines and some kinds of hearing loss. Even if you don’t normally get migraines, your brain has to make up for what you can’t hear, and that effort can make your head hurt.

Mental Health

You could possibly also be facing mental health problems as a result of your untreated hearing loss like depression and social anxiety. Social isolation is worse when you have hearing loss and it can also lead to dementia. Moodiness and reduced energy levels go hand-in-hand with these other issues.

The Negative Perception of Hearing Loss Can be Surmounted

Taking the first step and get help if you want to overcome these negative perceptions. It is possible to treat hearing loss. If you choose not to get help, you should recognize that you are the one who suffers.

You also could be stressing out over nothing because not all hearing loss is permanent. Simple earwax buildup can result in loss of hearing, but you won’t know for certain unless you schedule an appointment to have your hearing checked.

If you find out you do have hearing loss, do something about it. Nowadays you can get hearing aids in many shapes and sizes. You can get hearing aids that are less visible if your nervous about people learning you have hearing loss.

You can prove everyone wrong if you handle your hearing loss in the right way. You can be just as active and healthy as anyone, so wear your hearing aids with confidence. Everyone who experiences hearing loss will also be helped by your actions. Negative perceptions are social poisons so stay strong and increase awareness to change them.